​​Irving Considers New Casino Development

In a move that has sparked outrage and concern among many Texans, the Irving City Council recently approved plans for Las Vegas Sands to develop a massive entertainment complex at the former site of the Dallas Cowboys. While the proposal does not explicitly mention a casino, it is widely viewed as a strategic step toward introducing gambling to the Lone Star State—a move many Texans vehemently oppose.

Las Vegas Sands, the powerful casino and resort corporation owned by billionaire Miriam Adelson, has made its ambitions for Texas casinos no secret. Adelson, who also owns the Dallas Mavericks, has poured enormous resources into lobbying efforts and campaign donations for legislators in Austin. 

As it stands, Texas law prohibits casino gambling. The state constitution explicitly forbids it.  But Sands now has more lobbyists in the Texas Capitol than most major industries—a clear indication it is positioning itself to influence state lawmakers and push for the legalization of casinos.

Despite the corporate influence, the majority of Texans remain firmly opposed to casino expansion. In fact, more than 160 citizens recently showed up to speak against the proposed casino in Irving. Even more were on hand to peacefully protest the plan at the public meeting. 

Bringing casinos to Texas would do more harm than good. Concerns over increased crime, gambling addictions, and the exploitation of vulnerable communities have been consistently voiced by citizens and advocacy groups as reasons to keep casinos out of Texas.

The promise of economic benefits is typically overblown, while the social costs are downplayed. States with legalized casino gambling have seen mixed economic results, with many communities facing long-term consequences that far outweigh any short-term financial gains.

Texas’ values and family-friendly reputation are at risk. Texas Family Project has been in strong opposition to casino gambling since its inception. Bringing casinos to the state will erode our cultural identity and turn Texas into another gambling hotbed, similar to Las Vegas or Atlantic City—places often plagued with economic disparity and crime.

For right now, it seems Las Vegas Sands heard the voice of the Texans petitioning this move. While the land will be developed to become a resort, the plan to include a casino was, for now, removed. The battle over casinos in Texas is far from over.

As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: Texans are unwilling to gamble with the values and integrity of their state. Citizens and pro-family activists may have won for now,  but the fight against casino expansion in Texas is just beginning.